Why is Ukraine not a member of NATO?Published at 16:27 Greenwich Average Time
As we report, Ukrainian President Voldymir Zelensky says he is willing to give up his presidency in exchange for his Ukrainian NATO membership.
He has long advocated for Ukraine to become a member, so where does Ukraine stand with NATO?
What is NATO? : The Military Alliance was established in 1949 by 12 countries, and there was an agreement that if one member was attacked, it would help the other members protect it. Today, NATO has 32 members in Europe and North America.
NATO’s latest entrants: The latest entrants were Finland. This breaks long-standing neutrality policies to join the alliance after the war between Ukraine and Russia began, and shares land borders.
Russia’s Rebellion: Russia has consistently opposed the idea that Ukraine will become a member, citing concerns that NATO forces are getting too close to the border. Recently, the Kremlin told Zelensky to “settle” when it proposed that NATO membership was part of his “winning plan.”
“Long-term”: NATO announced in 2008 that Ukraine could become a member, but NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg denied this, and Ukraine could join “long-term” However, he said it was not until after the war ended.
At today’s press conference, Zelensky said that future conversations between Europe and the US have joined Ukraine “NATO at the Table.”
